JERUSALEM, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Israel's President Moshe Katsav, accused of several major offenses including rape, faces the likelihood of an indictment, a newspaper report said.
Meanwhile in the Israeli parliament, there was growing talk of his impeachment, reports Ha'aretz.
"It is clear that this president must end his term, and immediately," Education Minister Yuli Tamir was quoted as saying. "The process of ending his term must be hastened, and if he does not do this by himself, the Knesset will have to give him a clear hint that his road has come to an end."
The report also said a high-ranking Justice Ministry official urged Katsav to suspend himself until the attorney general decides whether to indict him, with the police recommending charges including rape, fraud and other offenses.
Other reports said because of the pressure against him, Katsav decided against attending Monday's opening of the Knesset's winter session. His lawyer had earlier said Katsav will not make any decision on suspending himself before the attorney general's action.
The Jerusalem Post reported Katsav's lawyer told Israel Radio that the president would resign if an indictment is filed.
